Applications Open for ibtm World Technology and Innovation Watch 2015 Award

June 21, 2015

ibtm world, previously EIBTM, an event for the meeting and events industry, has announced that applications are now open for the Technology and Innovation Watch 2015 Award (previously known as the Technology Watch award).

Graeme Barnett, senior exhibition director, ibtm world, who announced the opening of the Technology and Innovation Watch 2015 at the Event Tech Lab, which took place as part of London Tech Week, said, “This new all-encompassing name for this award illustrates its evolution, recognising the importance of both innovation and technology within the industry.”

The process of allocating the Technology and Innovation Watch Award also will change, as the judging panel will shortlist 10 submissions to be recognized as the 'Top 10 Innovations to drive the industry forward’.

These 10 innovations will be offered the opportunity to feature in the dedicated Innovation Zone at the show in Barcelona, on tap Nov. 17-19.

The panel also will vote for one of these top 10 to become the Technology and Innovation Watch winner, who will benefit from a global promotional campaign (supported by ibtm world), a presence in the Innovation Zone and the opportunity to present their winning solution during the show.

"The Innovation Zone is a popular feature for our attendees, who we know also have a growing interest in how technology impacts and can enhance their events,” Barnett said.

He added, “It makes perfect sense to therefore provide a dedicated area within ibtm world for our exhibitors to showcase their latest skills and innovations for the benefit of all involved in the meetings and events industry.”

Peter Komornik, CEO of sli.do and one of the top 10 innovations showcased in 2014, said, “Initiated by the meetings at the show, we’ve cultivated relationships and established a number of new partnerships with people we met in the Innovation Zone. Moreover, direct feedback received in the Innovation Zone was very useful in developing new features for our customers.”

Comprising of industry experts from across the world, and chaired by meetings technology expert Corbin Ball, the ibtm world Technology and Innovation Watch judging panel 2015, will consist of Stefania Conti-Vecchi, founder and CEO of EVENTagist, Michelle Bruno, technology journalist - Bruno Group Signature Events, Christine Fuchs, founder of The Social Fox, Paul Hussey, director of The Conference Doctor, Ruud Janssen, founder of TNOC.org and Co-Founder of EMG and Padraic Gilligan, managing partner of SoolNua.

In addition, one new industry judge will join the panel this year: James Morgan, co-founder of Event Tech Lab and a senior lecturer in Tourism and Events at the University of Westminster.

“I’m really looking forward to working with the judges and ibtm world on this long-standing competition that facilitates greater integration of technology into events of all kinds,” Morgan said.

He added, “The speed of technological innovation means that busy events professionals are always playing catch-up. The Innovation Zone provides a great educational platform for event professionals to explore a plethora of technologies that benefit their events and attendees.”

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